You don’t have to be a remodeling pro or woodworking expert to appreciate the advantages of power tools. A reliable cordless drill can make tasks like hanging shelves or assembling furniture a breeze. A high-powered pressure washer can swiftly remove stains from decks and driveways, saving you time compared to manual scrubbing. And when it comes to cutting large lumber pieces, a capable circular saw is indispensable, sparing you from the laborious work of a handsaw.
It’s no surprise that hardware stores offer a plethora of power tool options. With so many brands to choose from, finding the right one can be daunting. That leads to the question: Which brand suits your needs? After rigorously testing numerous tools from major players over the past decade, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, along with insights from Roy Berendsohn, senior home editor at Popular Mechanics, and other field experts, have compiled a list of the top 10 brands to consider as you expand your power tool collection. We’ve categorized them into brands tailored for DIYers and those catering to professionals. After exploring our recommendations, continue reading for additional expert guidance on navigating the world of power tools.
QUICK LIST
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Top 3 Inexpensive Tools In 2024
1.Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit
- Compact size and light weight – ideal for tight spots and overhead applications
- Powerful brushless motor produces up to 1,700 in-lbs. of torque with the impact driver and 400 in-lbs. with the drill/driver
- 30% More Compact and 23% Lighter Weight
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
If you frequent Home Depot, chances are you’ve encountered products from this manufacturer. Ryobi stands out as one of the two Home Depot-exclusive power tool brands, alongside Ridgid. Our experts appreciate Ryobi for its extensive battery platform, which allows for the interchangeability of battery packs across multiple tools. Notably, the brand’s 18V ONE+ line boasts over 280 products, while the 40V line offers close to 100.
“This is among my top recommendations for DIYers,” says home improvement and lifestyle expert Kathryn Emery of Be The Best Home. “It’s reassuring to know that the same battery powering my cordless drill can also be used for tasks like operating a leaf blower or inflating my kid’s bike tires.”
Lab pick: While many Ryobi tools earn praise from our experts, the ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit particularly stood out, earning it a spot as a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Home Renovation Awards. “The drill packs plenty of power for tasks such as drilling into drywall and dimensional lumber, while the driver’s added speed and torque excel at removing large lag bolts,” noted one tester.
Pros
- Brushless motors
- Light weight
Cons
- May not provide better performance
2.Craftsman V20 4-Tool Kit
- Reciprocating Saw (CMCS350): BRUSHLESS MOTOR Provides up to 75% more power** and produces 3200 SPM
- Impact Driver (CMCF810): BRUSHLESS MOTOR Provides up to 30% More Runtime*** and delivers 1,700 in-lbs. of torque for driving larger fasteners
- Drill/Driver (CMCD710): BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Provides up to 25% More Runtime and produces 350 UWO
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
For Lowe’s shoppers, Craftsman is a brand worth considering, given that the retail giant is one of its primary sellers. Since Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman in 2017, our experts have observed significant enhancements to this legacy tool brand, which still offers competitive pricing.
“Craftsman tools have garnered attention even from professional contractors,” Berendsohn notes, highlighting that Craftsman’s tools occasionally rival their professional-grade counterparts in tests conducted by Popular Mechanics. While Craftsman predominantly offers battery-powered tools, it also offers a range of corded electric options, particularly in heavy-duty categories like chop saws and grinders.
Lab pick: Combo kits provide a cost-effective means of building up your power tool collection. Craftsman’s V20 4-Tool kit, another recipient of accolades in our Home Renovation Awards, includes a cordless drill, an impact driver, a reciprocating saw, and a flashlight, along with two 20-volt batteries and a charger. The drill is adept at doubling as a power screwdriver, while the reciprocating saw handles the types of cuts through construction lumber commonly tackled by DIYers.
Pros
- Impressive drilling power
- Strong steel drilling performance
Cons
- Only includes a single batter
3.Black+Decker Workmate Portable Workbench
- Workmate transforms into a roomy workbench or bench tool stand
- Heavyweight steel design holds up to 550-Pound
- One-handed clamp system allows for independent jaw adjustment
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
conclusion
A venerable name in the power tool industry, Black+Decker has been a trusted brand among our experts for decades. While its small appliances, ranging from toasters to coffeepots, have seen the most action in our Labs, we’ve also been consistently impressed by the quality and affordability of the brand’s power tools.
“Approachable and user-friendly right out of the box,” remarks Emery, a sentiment we’ve often found to be true. However, while brands like Craftsman and Ryobi can handle heavier-duty tasks, Black+Decker tools are best suited for lighter projects such as drilling into drywall or refinishing furniture.
Lab pick: While our experts are more accustomed to testing Black+Decker’s cooking and cleaning appliances, such as the Spillbuster Cordless Spill + Spot Cleaner, which ranks among our top-rated portable carpet cleaners, the brand’s tools and accessories have also earned praise over the years. You can explore more about Black+Decker’s legacy in this engaging article, “Why the Black & Decker Workmate Belongs in the Tools Hall of Fame,” featured in Popular Mechanics.
Our experts have identified several key factors to consider when selecting the right power tool brand for your needs:
Battery vs. corded
In the past, there was a clear trade-off between battery-powered and corded models, with battery-powered tools being more convenient but less powerful. However, advancements in lithium-ion technology have narrowed this gap significantly. Nowadays, battery-powered tools can compete with corded electric counterparts in most categories, albeit with slightly shorter run times. For professionals who require long hours of continuous use, corded tools may still be preferred in certain situations. When opting for battery-powered tools, consider the breadth of the platform, as having interchangeable batteries across multiple tools can save you money in the long run.
DIY vs. professional
While the choice between DIY and professional-grade tools used to align with battery vs. corded distinctions, this is no longer the case. Many pro-grade brands now offer extensive battery platforms. So, what distinguishes professional-grade tools? Primarily, they offer greater durability, thanks to wear-resistant components and tougher materials. Professional tools are also faster and provide better feedback, crucial for professionals who rely on efficiency and output. However, they come at a higher cost and may be heavier and more challenging for amateurs to handle. Homeowners may find that the features prioritized by professionals are less relevant to their needs.
Warranty/service agreement
The terms of the warranty or service agreement are indicative of a power tool’s overall quality. Most power tools come with a one-year warranty, but some brands offer extended warranties of three to five years or even lifetime service agreements. Brands that stand behind their tools with longer warranties demonstrate a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Consider these factors carefully when selecting a power tool brand to ensure that you choose the best option for your specific requirements and preferences.